Black & Blue has never done well for me in what passes for xeric conditions here. I would expect that once your plant has established its root system it will do much better. Pretty much all plants require water then they are first planted. Once summer temperatures regularly hit the 90s around here I have to water most of my pots on a nearly daily basis. Heck, it is something to do and keeps me out of trouble - mostly. On the up side, guaranticas do grow OK in pots - big pots. While most of the types I grow are in the ground, I usually reserve the newest one for a pot so I can bring it in over the winter and propagate it.

Here in So. Cal., I have to grow them in bright shade (as opposed to deep shade) and water them as much or more than any other plant in my drought-resistant garden. Deep mulch helps.

I am in Austin too. I have grown S. Black and Blue successfully here - not in xeric contitions. Raised
bed in deep clay soil work in some sandy loam to keep the clay draining. Morning sun for 3-4 hours mulched
with fur needles(From christmas Trees)it also needed
a good watering once a week. In containers you will
need to water twice a day w/temps hitting near the
century mark. In ground it can spread 2 feet a year once established.
I have a friend who grows theirs with Daylily's they
dig the tubers out so it does not go everywhere.

I had one in a 5-gal. pot (approx. size) for a couple years, and once I put it in the ground (last year), the leaves, and the overall plant, more than doubled in size (this year)....and I only have to water it deeply once a week now (as opposed to at least once a day in hot weather when potted).

I would only keep it potted for a year, maximum, if you want it to look its best. :)

Brenda

I agree that they do best in afternoon shade, especially if you live in a sun-intensive area. And, yes, they need a regular amount of water, but especially if they are in a pot. I have both in the ground and in the pot and the former gets watered once a week and the potted one every day!